Criminal Defense & Traffic Law

The Law Firm of MillerKing LLC represents clients – who have been accused, arrested, indicted, or charged – in criminal cases, DUI’s, and traffic offenses.

WHAT TYPE OF CRIMINAL CASES DOES MILLERKING HANDLE?

The Law Firm of MillerKing LLC represents clients in several areas of criminal defense throughout the counties of Central Illinois and Southern Illinois. We have courtroom and trial experience with a strong reputation through years of experience, successful results, and professional relationships with the various state courts, state’s attorneys’ offices, and circuit clerks’ offices.

We have represented clients in criminal defense cases ranging from serious felony charges (Class X) to traffic offenses (moving violations or petty offenses). We represent clients in the following areas of the law:   

• Felonies
• Misdemeanors
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Driving Offenses and Traffic Tickets
• Ordinance Violations

WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS IF I HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH A CRIME?

Citizens and individuals enjoy guaranteed protections or safeguards from the United States Constitution and Illinois Constitution in criminal cases, including but not limited to the right to counsel or attorney, right to remain silent, right to a speedy jury trial, and right to confront and cross examine witnesses. Each criminal, DUI, or traffic case presents a unique set of facts, challenges, and application of the law.  Our team of lawyers perform our duties and obligation on behalf of clients in a professional yet assertive manner to safeguard, preserve, and protect our clients’ constitutional rights, civil liberties, and freedoms.

HOW ARE CRIMINAL CASES HANDLED?

Each criminal, DUI, or traffic case is handled with assertive advocacy, personalized attention to detail, courtroom/trial skills, open lines of communication, and dedicated time to achieve the best result under the circumstances. Our team of lawyers and staff members investigate facts, interview necessary witnesses, research relevant law and cases, and safeguard the protections guaranteed by the state and federal constitutions. The goal of each client’s case is an outright dismissal of all charges, however in reality, many cases are resolved through a negotiated plea agreement or trial. In every case, our team of lawyers  discuss and advise our clients regarding their constitutional rights, benefits and risks of accepting a negotiated plea agreement versus going to trial, range of sentences (prison, jail, probation, conditional discharge, court supervision, and/or fines/costs), and possible outcomes (no lawyer can promise or guarantee an outcome). 

WHAT IS REASONABLE DOUBT?

This is the constitutional measure or standard by which a judge or jury decides a criminal case or prosecution. The decider of facts – judge or jury – must review all evidence upon the conclusion of the case to vote and decide if the government’s prosecutor (state or federal) has met the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. In the American legal system, reasonable doubt is the highest burden of proof. In contrast, a civil case, such as in personal injury/tort or contract dispute, the burden of proof is the preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not). A person’s life or freedom can be of grave concern and at stake in a criminal case. Therefore, reasonable doubt must be proven by the government’s prosecutor with credible evidence in order for the judge or jury to convict or enter a finding of guilty. If not, then the government’s prosecutor fails to meet the burden of proof resulting in a hung jury or not guilty verdict.

SHOULD I RETAIN OR HIRE A CRIMINAL DEFENSE, DUI, OR TRAFFIC LAWYER?

If you have been charged with a felony, misdemeanor, DUI, or traffic offense, it is prudent and recommended to seek the advice and counsel of a Criminal Defense lawyer as soon as possible. As a person facing charges, you have the right to remain silent and to retain a lawyer. The selection of a lawyer is a highly important, vital, and personal decision. The best way to judge the compatibility and suitability of a lawyer is to meet in-person in a private and confidential setting. The selection of a lawyer should be taken seriously; therefore, the Law Firm of MillerKing LLC recommends for all potential clients to request an initial consultation to discuss all relevant matters by phone or in-person. All client meetings are confidential and protected by the attorney-client privilege.

WHICH CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW FIRM SHOULD I HIRE TO REPRESENT ME OR MY FAMILY?

The choice of a lawyer is a significant and vital decision.

First, it is prudent to visit a lawyer’s website to obtain basic information. A well-designed website should provide contact information, biographical information, and basic content in an ethical and understandable manner.

Second, it is important to schedule an initial meeting or consultation. Some consultations may be handled by phone, but many initial meetings or consultations should be conducted in person. By visiting a lawyer’s office, the potential client may interact with staff, evaluate the law firm’s organization, professionalism, and hospitality, and assess the potential attorney-client relationship first-hand. Do you feel comfortable? Is the law firm professional? Is the environment welcoming? Do you believe that your case will be handled competently and with open lines of communication? Did the lawyer listen? An open and honest meeting in a confidential setting may alleviate or lessen fears, anxieties, stress, and unknowns.

Finally, the potential client and lawyer must agree on timelines, expectations, fees, costs, and acknowledge that no outcome is guaranteed or promised. The potential client and lawyer must understand and acknowledge each person’s role and obligation within the attorney-client relationship.